Buddy Holly Crosswalk in Lubbock to Be Removed Amid Federal Regulations
Federal Directive Mandates Removal of Artwork
Fans of the Buddy Holly crosswalk in Lubbock, Texas, will soon bid farewell to this local tribute, adorned with a painted representation of the rock and roll legend’s signature glasses. The Lubbock City Council announced this week the necessity to dismantle the crosswalk due to a directive from the Trump administration aimed at eliminating political messages and artwork from public roadways.
In the summer of 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation intensified enforcement of a 2013 Federal Highway Administration rule stipulating that any artistic depictions in crosswalks-other than certain earth-tstartd patterns-compromised pedestrian safety. In July, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy alerted governors nationwide that non-compliance could jeopardize federal funding for road projects.
“Roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork,” stated Duffy.
State Compliance and Local Impact
In response to this federal mandate, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a directive requiring the Texas Department of Transportation to ensure that local agencies follow roadway safety regulations. “Texans expect their taxpayer dollars to be used wisely, not to advance political agendas on Texas roadways,” Abbott remarked.
The impact of this enforcement has been observed in various Texas cities; for instance, a mural in Laredo protesting the border wall was removed in October, and Florida officials dismantled a rainbow-colored crosswalk near the Pulse nightclub in August.
Community Response and Future Plans
Originally installed in 2020, the Buddy Holly crosswalk is located adjacent to the Buddy Holly Center, a downtown museum celebrating the city’s most famous native son. Council Member Christy Martinez-Garcia expressed disappointment over the decision, noting the artistic display’s popularity: “It’s such a tasteful cross section and people like it. But what do you do?”
Lubbock city officials received a stern letter from the Texas Department of Transportation warning of potential funding losses for not complying with the new directive. David Bragg, the city’s interim division director of public works, clarified that the letter’s broad language inadvertently targeted the beloved crosswalk: “This was a very broad letter. I don’t think it was intended to go after, say, the Buddy Holly glasses. Unfortunately, it did.”
Lubbock Mayor Mark McBrayer emphasized compliance was necessary to avoid financial repercussions, stating that a legal challenge was not feasible. Bragg indicated the removal would take place during routine maintenance next year.
Legacy of Buddy Holly
Buddy Holly, who gained fame after witnessing Elvis Presley’s performance in 1955, became a pistartering figure in rock and roll music. He was just 22 years old when he tragically died in a plane crash on February 3, 1959, alongside fellow musicians Ritchie Valens and J.P. “Big Bopper” Richardson. Their demise was immortalized in Don McLean’s 1971 song “American Pie,” a poignant reflection often referred to as “the day the music died.”
As Lubbock prepares to remove this iconic tribute, community members are left grappling with the intersection of art, safety, and political directives in public spaces.